Fleadh Buoy by Noel Kelly

‘The 'Mall Buoy' is a decommissioned maritime marker buoy which saw service on the Irish coast for many decades in the last century and is traditionally painted starboard green. This buoy is now well established as a unique artistic canvas and has been a talking point  since it was first painted in 2012. Since then Drogheda Port Company has creatively collaborated with several artists, community groups and charities to transform the Buoy into a stunning visual piece capturing hearts and smiles of passers-by.

In 2018 and 2019 Drogheda Town was host to the world famous and biggest music festival in Ireland, Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann. This gave great cause for yet another stunning transformation to the maritime bouy.  The Buoy was transported to a port warehouse on Steam packet Quay in time for the Irish Maritime Festival. During the festival weekend the public could watch artist Noel Kelly at his craft as he created the new ’ Fleadh Ceoil Bouy ’ over the three days of the festival. Noel carefully blended the essence of music, culture and Drogheda’s historic monuments into his colourful design. The finished artwork was moved back to its home on the Mall in time for the Fleadh where it added much vibrance and a focal point for the festival.